The New England Patriots are heading into the fall without rookie outside linebacker Quintayvious Hutchins on the field. The organization officially placed him on injured reserve Friday afternoon, a move that definitely stings this early in the season. No corresponding 53-man roster move was announced at the time, leaving a spot open as they prep to face the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Early Season Bumps for the Patriots’ Linebacking Corps
Hutchins, only 23 years old, was ruled out after missing three consecutive practices with a knee injury. It’s a tough break for the former Boston College team captain, who was among several players unable to finish last weekend’s 20-3 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers. Now, he’s looking at missing a minimum of four games, which is a significant chunk of the early schedule. This kid was the last pick for the war room in Foxborough back in the 2026 NFL draft, going No. 247 overall, and he battled hard to outlast the 53-man roster deadline after rookie training camp. In his two games so far, the 6-foot-3, 245-pounder chipped in three tackles across 16 snaps on defense and another 12 snaps on special teams. Every snap counts, especially for a rookie trying to prove himself.
Who Steps Up Amid the Attrition?
This IR move, along with veteran outside linebacker Dre’Mont Jones also being ruled out, means the Pats are thin at the position. They just promoted edge rusher Jose Ramirez from the practice squad to the active roster, which is a clear sign they need bodies. Good call there, you gotta adjust fast. The depth chart for outside linebacker still includes sophomore starter Elijah Ponder and rookie second-rounder Gabe Jacas. Those two have been busy this September, combining for two sacks, one interception, one fumble recovery, and even a touchdown return. That’s some solid production, and they’re gonna need to keep it up. The team’s injury report also listed tight end Eli Raridon and safety Craig Woodson as questionable for their road trip.
So, the New England Patriots are looking at a challenging Sunday kickoff at 1 p.m. ET against the 2025 AFC champions, the Jacksonville Jaguars. They’ll need Ponder and Jacas to bring that same September energy, because with Hutchins sidelined and other key guys banged up, every snap is gonna matter big time. Let’s see if they can rally.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Pats Pulpit.
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